New York, NY 10037
Day | Hours |
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Monday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Tuesday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Wednesday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Thursday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Friday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Saturday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Sunday | CLOSED |
Visit the Schomburg Center
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, one of The New York Public Library’s renowned research libraries, is a world-leading cultural institution devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences.
To learn about the Center's research divisions, schedule an appointment, or find out about other services, see our resources for researchers. Please note: Division hours may vary.
On May 3 starting at 8:30 AM, we are hosting the first of a two-day conference that extends the call for increased historical research on slavery in the Atlantic World. Produced by the Lapidus Center at the Schomburg Center in collaboration with the New-York Historical Society and the New Netherland Institute. Register.
If you are a rising college senior interested in pursuing a PhD in African American, African, or African Diaspora Studies, consider applying to our Schomburg-Mellon Humanities Summer Institute. The program will run from Monday, June 17–Friday, July 19, 2024. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 24.
Explore our opening of our newest in-person exhibition, The Ways of Langston Hughes: Griff Davis and Black Artists in the Making. It runs through Monday, July 8.
The Schomburg Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5:45 PM. They sell books, clothing, jewelry, and more created by Black and Brown artists for all ages.
Although there are no guided tours at this time, we are working diligently to restore this key service to visitors in spring 2024. Please continue to check this page and the Schomburg Tours page for updates and more information.
Please note: Due to new Library policy, e-bikes, e-scooters, and electronic transportation devices are not permitted inside any NYPL location. This does not apply to mobility aids.
National Poetry Month | Watch! Maya Angelou’s Historic Press Conference Announcing the Acquisition of her Collection
In 2010, we acquired the collection of award-winning poet Maya Angelou. Dr. Howard Dodson, then director of the Schomburg Center, and Dr. Paul LeClerc, then president of The New York Public Library, led the press conference announcing the acquisition. Angelou addressed the audience and took questions from the media.
As we mark National Poetry Month, Angelou’s birthday on April 4, and the 10th anniversary of her passing this year, revisit that historic day. Discover what she said about being a part of the Center’s archives, her friends—author James Baldwin and human rights activist Malcolm X—, and her love of libraries. Learn more.
Winter/Spring 2024 Public Programs
Coming up:
Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27 | Schomburg Center
12th Annual Black Comic Book Festival
Thursday, May 2 | 6:30 PM | Online
Conversations in Black Freedom Studies: Educational Injustice & the Struggle for Liberatory Education
Friday, May 3 | 8:30 AM | Schomburg Center
Slavery in the New Netherland and the Dutch Atlantic World, Day 1 View schedule.
NYPL Update: Countee Cullen Pop-Up Library at Schomburg
The Countee Cullen Pop-Up Library will pause briefly from Monday, April 15–Wednesday, May 1 for renovation and our 12th annual Black Comic Book Festival.
Where possible, patrons may go to our Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division for assistance or to the George Bruce Branch Library at 518 West 125th Street.
In the Spotlight
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New! Free Digital Guide on Bloomberg Connects
Download Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app, to explore the Schomburg Center on your mobile device.
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Explore Past Schomburg Center Exhibitions and Multimedia Projects
If you missed past in person exhibitions such as Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration, you can see it online. Also, explore online exhibitions such as Watercolors Amongst Friends and view past multimedia projects produced by students in our Junior Scholars Program.
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Space Rentals
Hosting an event? Consider our Langton Hughes Auditorium, Langston Hughes Lobby, American Negro Theatre, or Schomburg Courtyard. Learn more about these spaces.
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Get Updates from the Schomburg Center
Sign up for our bi-monthly e-newsletter, Schomburg Connection. Get updates and information on our upcoming programs, exhibitions, research guides, blogs, and more!
Featured at the Schomburg Center
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Visit the Schomburg Shop
The Schomburg Shop is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 AM to 6 PM for in-person shopping. Or, you can shop online.
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From Our Blog
Read blog posts from the librarians, staff, and fellows at the Schomburg Center.
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Public Programs
The Schomburg Center advances knowledge of the global Black experience through dynamic programs and exhibitions.
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Digital Schomburg
Access exhibitions, podcasts, videos, books, images, and more about the global Black experience 24/7.
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Support the Schomburg Center
Schomburg Society members receive discounts, invitations to exclusive events, and more!
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In the News
Read news stories featuring interviews with Schomburg Center curators, librarians, and staff.
Current Exhibitions
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Nellie Mae Rowe: Something From Nothing
OngoingOnline OnlySchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureInspired by the premiere of a documentary film honoring the creative spirit of Nellie Mae Rowe, check out this curated selection of…
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The Ways of Langston Hughes: Griff Davis and Black Artists in the Making
Through July 8, 2024Schomburg Center for Research in Black CultureHarlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes (1901–1967) held friendships with artists across generations and disciplines. He forged…
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FUNDI: A Legacy of Learning & Liberation
Through May 1, 2024Schomburg Center for Research in Black CultureCelebrating the artistic contributions of the Schomburg Center's Junior Scholars Program.
Events
See All-
Schomburg Center 's 12th Annual Black Comic Book Festival
Friday, April 26 | 11 AM -
Schomburg Center 's 12th Annual Black Comic Book Festival
Saturday, April 27 | 10:30 AM -
Educational Injustice & the Struggle for Liberatory Education
Thursday, May 2 | 6:30 PM -
Slavery in New Netherland & the Dutch Atlantic World
Friday, May 3 | 8:30 AM
About the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences. As a research division of The New York Public Library, the Schomburg Center features diverse programming and collections spanning over 11 million items that illuminate the richness of global Black history, arts, and culture.
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